As an extension of Sanlam’s long-only value product, the Sanlam US Dividend Fund, its newly inaugurated absolute return fund will target positive returns over the medium-to-longer term in all market conditions with a low correlation to traditional market indices.

To this end, the fund will adopt a long/short approach to take advantage of both over-valued and under-valued areas of the North American equity market.
 
The Dublin-domiciled UCITS fund will be managed by Adour Sarkissian along with Conor Walsh, assistant fund manager.

Mr Sarkissian has 20 years’ experience in the investment sector and, prior to joining Sanlam in 2014, managed the award winning $1.7bn US High Dividend Fund at ING.
 
Tom Carroll, head of asset management at Sanlam Investments, said: “It remains a hugely challenging environment for investors seeking positive returns amid volatility.

“Our US Absolute Return fund will aim to deliver significant alpha generation using fundamental research to identify long and short opportunities.

“Underpinned by a truly disciplined and systematic process, the fund will seek to deliver positive returns regardless of market conditions and provide competitive absolute returns through a long/short portfolio with limited market exposure.
 
“We are excited to add this to our range of differentiated products, run by highly experienced teams and offering real value for money to our investors.”